It’s that time of year again where the AFL season is beginning to ramp up. With an abundance of football boot options available it can be tricky to decipher which ones are most suited to you. After trying on and testing a number of options, we’ve come up with our most favoured boots for the upcoming season.

Before we get in to the boots themselves there are a couple of things to note. Firstly, everyone’s foot is made differently; different foot shapes, difference mechanics, different loading patterns, different injury concerns etc. For this reason, a boot that may be great for one person, may not be ideal for you, and the boot that may be best for you, may not even be on this list! Another important factor to consider is training load in football boots and variability. It would be ideal to complete running components of training in your runners, and the football specific tasks in your boots. This is potentially the best formula to reduce your chance of getting injured in the preseason

Asics -Lethal Tigreor 10 IT

- 10mm heel raise

- Increased rearfoot cushioning

- Good torsional rigidity and stability, with a firm heel counter

- Kangaroo leather upper

- Increased amount of studs

- Removable sock liner

- Orthotic friendly

The 10mm heel raise is particularly beneficial to those who may have achilles issues, as the elevation reduces load through the posterior musculature complex. Similarly, it may also be helpful for those with any anterior ankle impingement, as the heel pitch may ‘open up’ the anterior ankle.

A higher amount of studs may help reduce plantar pressures through certain areas, particularly around the 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint (MPJ or big toe joint).

Asics -Lethal Legacy IT

- Shares all of the characteristics of the Tigreor

- Slightly wider and deeper, although less cushioned when compared to the Tigreor

- Orthotic friendly

Being slightly deeper and wider than the Tigreor, the Legacy is a little more suitable for those who have a wider foot, and is also slightly more accommodative for orthotics, should you require them.

Asics -Lethal Ultimate IGS 12

- 10mm heel raise

- Highly comfortable with full length cushioning

- Good torsional rigidity and stability, with a firm heel counter

- Grass cut type boot

- Shorter and increased amount of studs

- Wider fitting

- Good preseason boot

- Removable sock liner

- Orthotic friendly

Due to the superior cushioning and shorter stud lengths, this boot is ideal as preseason boot. In addition, this boot is nice and wide for those with a wider foot.

Nike Tiempo Legend VI FG

- Good width

- Firm heel counter

- Relatively good torsional rigidity and stability

- Premium Kangaroo leather

- Suitable for wet and dry grounds

- Removable sock liner

- Orthotic friendly

Not quite as wide as the aforementioned Legacy and Ultimate, although utilizes a soft leather upper which has the ability to stretch quite easily

New Balance Visaro 2.0 FG

- Available in 2E width

- Lightweight

- Removable sock liner

- Orthotic friendly

The predominant aspect I like about this boot is that it comes in a 2E fitting. Wide footy boots can be difficult to come across, so this is a great for those after a wider fitting boot.

Adidas Ace 17.1 Primeknit

- Narrower fitting

- Lightweight

- Available in Kargaroo Leather in the toebox

- Removable sock liner

Puma King II FG

- Good width and depth

- Comfortable

- Removable sock liner

- Orthotic friendly

X Blades Legend Max

- Has a removable 10mm heel wedge

- Wide fitting

- Removable sock liner

- Orthotic friendly

Question mark over whether bladed cleats have the potential to cause metatarsal stress fractures and knee injury. Not all bladed boots created equal, not every foot is the same and not all surfaces are the same, for this reason the blades cannot be ruled out completely. Another good option for those looking for a wider fitting boot

If you have any concerns about football boots for the upcoming season, or any foot related queries, please see us at one of the Gold Coast Foot Centres Clinics